Review: HELLO DOLLY! at Trollwood Performing Arts School

The day that so many in the Fargo-Moorhead area, and beyond, wait for every year is finally upon us. Opening night for the Trollwood Performing Arts School Summer Mainstage Musical was on July 12th. This years production of Hello Dolly opened on a beautiful summer night and as usual Trollwood did not disappoint.When it comes to casting Michael Walling and the artistic staff at Trollwood seem to always knock it out of the park, and this year was no exception. When this show was first announced many months ago the first thought I had was "Andie Peterson will be so good as Dolly". Many will remember Andie from last years Trollwood production of beauty and The Beast in the role of Wardrobe or as Ursula in The Little Mermaid. I most recently saw her in West Fargo's production of White Buffalo in which she was amazing. As Dolly Levi Peterson owns the stage in every scene she is in, beginning with her entrance in a "horse" drawn carriage to the final number. I can't wait to see the show again. To quote Mary Poppins Andie Peterson was "Practically Perfect" as Dolly.

Bill Risher as Horace Vandergelder is another great casting choice. Last year Bill had a memorable role as Cogsworth in Beauty and The Beast. Bill unfortunately didn't get to show off his wacky side, but he still managed to make this role his own. Another very talented actor who is always a joy to watch on stage. His lead on "It Takes a Woman" was great.

Tyrese Childs was very good as Ambrose, my only complaint was we did not get to hear him sing a solo. His performance as Sebastian in The Little Mermaid 2 years ago is still one of my favorites. His counterpart Jaylen Rick, who I have seen is shows going back to elementary school, as Ermengarde definitely had fun in her role. Her crying was so realistic and fit the character so well. Of course her dancing was also top notch as always.

Dexter Conlin and Ryan Schlepp as Cornelius and Barnaby were a great pair. The 2 young men worked very well together and Conlin's solo on "It Only Takes a Moment" was a standout.

Alaina Droog as Irene Malloy also had an amazing solo performance with "Ribbons down my back" and Avery Moxness as Minnie was a joy to watch. She stole the scene in the hat shop. One final individual mention goes out to Jordan Kalvoda as Rudolph and his scenes in the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant. I definitely see bigger roles in his future.

As always the emsemble cast was top notch. So many talented young people in our community that come together to put on the premier summer production every year.

Last but certainly not least I would be crazy not to mention the remarkable pit orchestra under the direction of Sue Jordahl. As usual Sue brings together these 29 young people to produce a score of music that would make John Williams smile.

If you have never been to a Trollwood summer production now is the time. If you have been to one before then what are you waiting for? You still have many opportunities to view this performance at the beautiful outdoor Bluestem Amphitheatre.

www.trollwood.org

**Photo Credits Gary Inman